USSA News FISU honours Dr. Malumbete Ralethe For valuable contributions to University Sport at Continental, Global level USA, New York - The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has awarded Dr. Malumbete Ralethe the Honorary Member Award, an esteemed accolade presented to members advancing university sport at National, Continental and International levels. The Federation is the highest and oldest university sport association founded in January 1949. Dr Ralethe is the former President of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) who made a progressive contribution to university sport since joining FISU as a young medical doctor in 2003. As a young man, his student sport leadership abilities were honed during his time as the President of University Sport South Africa. Dr Ralethe also went on to serve on the Executive Board of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee in 2004. FISU’s Acting President, Mr. Leonz Eder (from Switzerland), together with Secretary General, Mr Eric Saintrond (from Belgium), presented the Honorary Member Award to Dr. Ralethe in Lake Placid New York, where the 2023 Winter World University Games are currently being held. In the 20 years as a FISU member, Dr Ralethe has made a valuable impact especially as a university sport administrator. Speaking on the award presentation on Tuesday, 17 January 2023, the jubilant President Eder expressed his cordial working relationship with Dr. Ralethe and the members of the FISU Executive Committee and staff throughout the past two decades. "He was politically active from the early start of his career and involvement with FISU. By this, I mean that he always had clear and tough statements. Then we had a period in FISU when he was in the Executive Committee where he made such a great contribution, in his home country in South Africa and the African continent. His work is commendable and respected all over theworld," said President Eder. ‘’Dr Ralethe is a well-respected leader of University Sport South Africa, whose contributions to student sport has its footprint worldwide. He remains a committed and active Honorary Member of our organization. We salute and applaud him on receiving this award from FISU," said Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu President of USSA. Among dignitaries in attendance at the reception included FISU Executive Committee members such as Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu (UJ Sport Senior Director and President of FASU and USSA), Ms. Peninnah Kabenge (FASU Secretary General, FISU Vice President and Director of Sport at Makerere University, Uganda), Ms. Delise O’meally (Vice President of the United States International University Sports Federation (USIUSF), Professor Byong Jin YOU (Korea), Dr. Martin Doulton (Australia) and Dr. Omar AL-HAI (UAE), as well as Professor Kemal TAMER (Turkey) and Honorary Member Mr. Risto Nieman from Finland. "I’m a man of fewer words, but I would like to thank the President, the Vice President, the Executive Committee and members of our staff, including the different generations of Honorary Members and Leaders at all levels, who were always ready to mentor me and others. We had a great relationship, made many moves that advocated for continental university sports development, especially on student and women participation, and it was fulfilling to see many of those plans come to fruition. Therefore, I cannot thank you enough. May the great work continue!" said Dr. Ralethe, now a CEO at Voortrekker Hospital, Limpopo, when he received his certificate. Posted by USSA on 2023-01-19. Source: